Organization welcomes new director

Spickler works to develop new opportunities and programs for the mentally disabled

October 24, 2012

LEWISTOWN - The Sunshine Connection of Lewistown welcomes new Director Marlin Spickler as he works to create a host of new programs and activities for Sunshine community members.

The goal is to keep those who come to the Sunshine Connection social and active in the community, Spickler said.

"The future of the Sunshine Connection is bright and we are looking forward to moving in a positive direction and making this the greatest facility it can possibly be," Spickler said. "As the new Director of the Sunshine Connection, I wanted to take some time to let the public know we are still here."

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Sentinel photo by BUFFIE BOYERMarlin Spickler is the new director of Sunshine Connection, in Lewistown.

The Sunshine Connection offers services, activities and educational SPICKLER programming for those living with mental disabilities in the local community. The organization provides an opportunity for anyone living with a disability to work in the Sunshine store, play games with friends, participate in community fundraisers, go on field trips, attend classes and more, Spickler said.

"We are designing a number of programs and activities that weren't available under previous leadership," Spickler said. "Soon we will be hosting first aid training, fire safety training, a program on using food stamps and a trip to the farm show in January."

The Sunshine Connection is also hosting an October Fest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at the facility on 518 S. Juniata St. Sunshine members will be selling items from the store and homemade baked goods.

On Nov. 15, the Sunshine Connection will also be holding an open house where the public is invited for a tour of the facility and to enjoy light refreshments, Spickler said. It's a chance for the community to familiarize with the program, he added.

"Within the past few weeks we have taken the time to clean and improve the facility to a great extent," Spickler said. "I wanted to invite the public to these events so they can see the great changes we are making to our facility."

For more information about the Sunshine Connection or upcoming events, contact Marlin Spickler at 242-4755 or through email at sunshineconnection@yahoo.com.